BS EN IEC 62351-6:2020 - Power Systems Management and Associated Information Exchange

Data and Communications Security for IEC 61850

In the rapidly evolving world of power systems management, ensuring the security of data and communications is paramount. The BS EN IEC 62351-6:2020 standard is a crucial document that addresses these needs, providing comprehensive guidelines and protocols to secure information exchange within power systems. Released on December 9, 2020, this standard is an essential resource for professionals in the field of power systems management and cybersecurity.

Key Features of BS EN IEC 62351-6:2020

• Standard Number: BS EN IEC 62351-6:2020
• Pages: 40
• Release Date: December 9, 2020
• ISBN: 978 0 539 02198 1
• Status: Standard

Overview

The BS EN IEC 62351-6:2020 standard is part of a series of standards developed to enhance the security of power systems management and associated information exchange. It specifically focuses on the security aspects of the IEC 61850 series, which is widely used for communication networks and systems in substations. This standard provides a framework for securing data and communications, ensuring that power systems are protected against unauthorized access and cyber threats.

Why is Security for IEC 61850 Important?

IEC 61850 is a critical standard for the design of electrical substation automation. It facilitates the interoperability of devices and systems, enabling efficient and reliable communication. However, with the increasing connectivity of power systems, the risk of cyber threats has also risen. The BS EN IEC 62351-6:2020 standard addresses these challenges by providing robust security measures to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data exchanged within these systems.

Benefits of Implementing BS EN IEC 62351-6:2020

Implementing the guidelines and protocols outlined in the BS EN IEC 62351-6:2020 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Security: Protects power systems from cyber threats and unauthorized access, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of critical infrastructure.
• Compliance: Helps organizations meet regulatory requirements and industry standards for cybersecurity in power systems.
• Interoperability: Ensures seamless communication and data exchange between different devices and systems, promoting efficiency and reliability.
• Future-Proofing: Provides a framework for adapting to emerging technologies and evolving security threats, ensuring long-term protection of power systems.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN IEC 62351-6:2020 standard is designed for a wide range of professionals involved in power systems management and cybersecurity, including:

• Power system engineers and managers
• Cybersecurity professionals
• IT and network administrators
• Regulatory and compliance officers
• Consultants and advisors in the energy sector

Conclusion

In an era where the security of power systems is more critical than ever, the BS EN IEC 62351-6:2020 standard provides the necessary tools and guidelines to safeguard data and communications. By implementing this standard, organizations can enhance the security of their power systems, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of critical infrastructure. Whether you are a power system engineer, a cybersecurity professional, or a regulatory officer, this standard is an invaluable resource for protecting your systems against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

For more detailed information and to obtain a copy of the BS EN IEC 62351-6:2020 standard, please refer to authorized distributors or official standardization bodies.

BS EN IEC 62351-6:2020

This standard BS EN IEC 62351-6:2020 Power systems management and associated information exchange. Data and communications security is classified in these ICS categories:

• 33.200 Telecontrol. Telemetering

IEC 62351-6:2020 specifies messages, procedures, and algorithms for securing the operation of all protocols based on or derived from the IEC 61850 series. This document applies to at least those protocols listed below: IEC 61850-8-1 Communication networks and systems for power utility automation – Part 8-1: Specific communication service mapping (SCSM) – Mappings to MMS (ISO/IEC 9506-1 and ISO/IEC 9506-2) and to ISO/IEC 8802-3 IEC 61850-8-2 Communication networks and systems for power utility automation – Part 8-2: Specific communication service mapping (SCSM) – Mapping to Extensible Messaging Presence Protocol (XMPP) IEC 61850-9-2 Communication networks and systems for power utility automation – Part 9-2: Specific communication service mapping (SCSM) – Sampled values over ISO/IEC 8802-3 IEC 61850-6 Communication networks and systems for power utility automation – Part 6: Configuration description language for communication in power utility automation systems related to IEDs The initial audience for this document is intended to be the members of the working groups developing or making use of the protocols listed in Table 1. For the measures described in this specification to take effect, they must be accepted and referenced by the specifications for the protocols themselves. This document is written to enable that process. The subsequent audience for this document is intended to be the developers of products that implement these protocols. Portions of this document may also be of use to managers and executives in order to understand the purpose and requirements of the work.